DATES have been released for the Bournemouth Air Festival next year, after more than 800,000 people flocked to the coast to see the stellar displays.

As this year’s Air Festival draws to a close, organisers have announced that the event will take place between September 1 and September 4, next year.

Jon Weaver, Air Festival director since it first started in 2008, said: “I am overwhelmed by all the immense amount of hard work that has gone into delivering such a fantastic four days of breath-taking entertainment. 

“We have had an almighty year trying to pull this together, with the many restrictions we’ve had to work to and hoops we’ve often had to jump through, to ensure this event could go ahead and I am so pleased we’ve done so.

“I’d also like to wish well the Aerosuperbatics team: a longstanding favourite of the festival who we look forward to welcoming back next year. The emergency services and Poole Harbour Commissioners for their phenomenal response on Saturday to the incident at Poole Harbour.”

As the sun shone on the final day of the Air Festival, thousands of people had gathered on the Piers and promenade to witness some of the spectacular aerial displays. 

First up was the blue and white Super Pitts Muscle Plane which rocketed across the harbour dramatically and in style, whipping the crowd into a frenzy. 

People had travelled down from across the country to be in Bournemouth for the Air Festival. Alison Scott and her partner Ian had set off from Dudley at 4am to get a seat on the Pier to watch their beloved Red Arrows. 

Alison said:

“It’s been so well organised, there’s so much to see and do. We follow the Red Arrows across the country but this is our first time here - it’s fab.” 

With masses of entertainment lining the promenade and the East Cliff, there were lots of things to keep the kids entertained and some were even dressed up as the Red Arrows pilots. 

First hosted in 2008, the festival generates approximately more than £30million to the local economy and was one of only a handful of large free non-ticketed outdoor events taking place this summer.

In the afternoon there was a touching display from the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight which received an enormous applause from the patriotic crowd as the planes flew out of sight. 

Increasing the octane, the Tigers TTF Parachute Display Team jumped out above the Bournemouth crowds, landing just off from the Toft Zig Zags on the beach, greeted by roaring crowds who were able to meet the crew. 

The thunderous Typhoon put on a show for onlookers and residents alike, bringing the Bournemouth Air Festival to a close. 

Flight Lieutenant, James Saint, Typhoon display pilot, said: “The Bournemouth display venue is phenomenal. It’s a real privilege and honour to display the union flag livery jets in front of the crowds here, an absolute pleasure to see all the faces looking up and cameras flashing. 

“I can’t wait for next year. Thanks for welcoming us.”